Brands and co-packers will converge at PACK EXPO International 2026, Oct. 18-21 in Chicago, in search of end-of-line exhibitors to answer labor, space, and SKU pressures.
These seven case packing and palletizing systems are worth a stop during the show if you're interested in saving space, improving efficiency at the end of your line, or expanding capacity on a budget.
1. Lower-cost robotic palletizing
beRobox (Booth LU-8718) will debut PALTZ.GO, its lower-cost entry into robotic palletizing, priced at $79,000 with everything needed to run. Built around a Universal Robots UR20 cobot, it handles cases up to 55 lb, stacks to 80 in., and runs up to seven cycles per minute, or 14 boxes per minute with an optional multipick module. It moves by forklift, plugs into a standard 120-V outlet, and builds pallet patterns without robot programming, which makes it a fit for co-packers and smaller brands that want to automate palletizing without a major capital project.
2. Complete end-of-line for recycled corrugated
A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp. (Booths N-5104 and N-5106) is bringing a full end-of-line lineup: the Model 400 case erector/sealer, Model 600 case packer, Model 436 top case sealer, and Model 72A palletizer, all reporting real-time status and OEE data. Model 436 switches between tape and hot-melt sealing with a module swap, and it sets its own adhesive pattern from the first case it runs. Model 400 is built to handle imperfect and high-recycled-content corrugated, a practical advantage as brands push more recycled content into shipping cases.
3. Streamlined packing for multiple formats
Quest (Booth S-3660) will demonstrate Flexible One, a platform that combines primary packaging, secondary packaging, and end-of-line automation in one coordinated system. Its QX250 robotic case packer handles up to 30 cases and 180 products per minute across multiple case and flexible-package formats. The QB321 robotic palletizer runs up to 24 cases per minute, with pallet recipes operators can create, store, and recall, a strong draw for co-packers juggling frequent SKU changes.
4. Palletizing in a small footprint
Scott Technology (Booth N-5182) is featuring its NexPAL 200HL, which palletizes 35-plus cases per minute from a footprint Scott says is 25% smaller than most comparable machines. A side-mounted rotating row pusher replaces overhead pusher components, so case infeed and row formation happen at the same time, and automatic changeovers cover a broad range of products and pallet patterns. It's aimed at plants that need more end-of-line capacity without more floor space, and Scott offers a full-scale augmented reality model so buyers can check the fit on their own floor with a smartphone.
5. Robotic handle application for club store multipacks
PakTech (Booth S-4209) will highlight its 100% recycled HDPE multipack handles alongside the MPA30i flex MultiPak applicator, which applies handles at up to 30 cases per minute using a gantry-based pick-and-place robot. The handles target club stores, where multipacks must carry heavier loads through tougher distribution, and their recycled content can help brands as more states adopt EPR laws and minimum recycled-content rules. The applicator's flexible configuration lets co-packers run multiple products through one machine with faster changeovers.
6. Entry-level case packing plus video diagnostics
SOMIC Packaging (Booth N-4740) is introducing the SOMIC 202 to North America, a compact entry-level machine for shelf-ready packaging that runs RSC cases or flat blanks at up to 20 cartons per minute. Also on display, on the SOMIC 434 case packer, is the Eagle and Connect diagnostic system: when the machine stops, five or six cameras capture about 10 seconds before the fault and 5 seconds after, paired with diagnostic data. Everything runs on a local industrial PC with no internet connection, and fault packages go to SOMIC service as encrypted files through the customer's own email server, a good fit for food and pharma plants wary of cybersecurity risk.
7. Case packing and palletizing on a single frame
Serpa (Booth S-3856) is debuting the P200-P Integrated Case Packer-Palletizer, which combines case packing and palletizing on a single frame. Serpa says the design uses more than 40% less floor space than separate case packing and palletizing systems. It was developed first for pharmaceuticals but also suits nutraceutical, medical device, and CPG lines, depending on speed requirements.
For more previews of what to look for at PACK EXPO, check out our list of products that will be highlighted at the show.
